White House Easter Egg Roll

Annually, the White House Easter Egg Roll is held on the White House South Lawn on Easter Monday for children and their parents. The event dates back to 1878 with the first-ever White House Easter Egg Roll that previously took place at the U.S. Capital, according to the White House Historical Association.

Since 1977, America’s egg farmers, through the American Egg Board, have supported the event in numerous ways. One time-honored tradition is the presentation of the Commemorative Egg to the First Lady of the United States.

In addition to showcasing the farm-to-table journey an egg takes, America’s egg farmers also donate all the hard-boiled eggs that are used to fuel the fun on the South Lawn. That’s more than 35,000 eggs that are used in many ways:

The iconic Egg Roll (These eggs arrive at the White House dyed and ready for rolling!)

Egg Hunting and Decorating

EggPops (A new South Lawn tradition, these hard-boiled eggs are served on sticks or carrots with a variety of dips and seasonings.)

BUT what is the actual Easter Egg Roll?
The Egg Roll, itself, is simply a race that takes place during the day’s festivities where children push an egg through the grass with a long-handled spoon. Today’s White House Easter Egg Roll involves a wide range of activities.

Similar events are held in many other locations throughout the country. The United States, however, can’t take credit for inventing the custom, which was mentioned in a 1684 Latin treatise. Variations of egg rolling contests are played around the world.